Liz Smith (nee Renius) has been promoted to president, employee benefits, at Assurance headquartered in Schaumburg, IL. Her former title was executive vice president, employee benefits.

"What Liz has accomplished in a short amount of time is remarkable," said Tony Chimino, CEO of Assurance. "The growth of our benefits practice and expansion of our service platform accelerated under her stewardship. Her industry involvement and knowledge combined with her carrier relationships has greatly positioned Assurance to help clients through health care reform."

She is a frequently requested speaker on the following topics: How to Create a Best Place to Work; Using Benefits to Engage Employees and Drive Value Back to the Bottom Line; and Health Care Reform Options and Solutions.

"An exciting challenge for me and my team is maintaining the level of growth over the past two years while still providing the high level of service for which Assurance is known," she said. "I enjoy working with some of the most talented individuals in the insurance industry who are great friends and people."

Prior to joining Assurance, Smith served as senior vice president, practice leader of employee benefits for a national insurance brokerage. Before becoming a practice leader, she held various roles in employee benefits including that of producer, account executive and account manager.

A 1999 graduate of Northwestern University, Evanston, she has a bachelor of science degree in Communications. She was a member of the Northwestern Women's Volleyball Team, serving as captain her junior and senior years.

Smith lives with her husband Neal and two daughters in Hinsdale.

About AssuranceAssurance is among the largest and most awarded independent insurance brokerages in the United States. A "Top 50" independent broker and repeated "Best Place to Work" winner, Assurance places coverage for all lines of business and personal insurance, employee benefits and retirement services. Through centralized office locations just outside of Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO, more than 250 passionate insurance professionals provide measurable results and personalized services to over 5,600 clients across the country. Visit Assurance at http://www.assuranceagency.com.